The Epistle to the Hebrews
Jesus the Better Way
Hebrews in the New Testament
Gospel (4)
History (1)
Epistle (21)
Prophecy (1)
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
General (8)
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
Epistle (21)
Paul (13)
Romans
1 and 2 Cor.
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 and 2 Thess.
1 and 2 Tim.
Titus
Philemon
2
Time Period in NT History
Preparation for the Church / Life of Christ
c. A.D. 1 – 30
Period 1
( Matthew through John )
Period 2
Establishment of the Church
c. A.D. 30 – 60
( Acts through Philemon )
Period 3
Latter Developments in the Church
c. A.D 60 – 90
( Hebrews through Revelation )
3
Book Background
Title: Hebrews
1. The title “Hebrews” (Pros Hebraious, To the
Hebrews) is not original with the book, but was later
assigned to the book. Hebrews is the first of eight
books known as the General Epistles. These eight
books are called General Epistles because they are
addressed to a “general”, widespread audience
rather than a particular local church (Corinth,
Ephesus, Philippi, etc.) or particular individual
(Timothy, Titus, Philemon).
4
Book Background
Title: Hebrews
2. “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews” is a
title that is found in some editions of the King James
Version, but there is no early manuscript evidence to
support this wording and it was not a part of the
original letter. It was added later.
5
Book Background
Author: Unknown
1. Like the genealogy of Melchizedek (7:3), the author
of Hebrews is unknown. Different authors have been
suggested (Barnabas, Luke, Apollos, Silas, Paul, etc.).
6
Book Background
Author: Unknown
2. The language and style of writing used in the
salutation is very similar to what Paul would use
(13:18-25), but the typical mention of Paul’s name in
a greeting is missing from the book (see Rom. 1:1; 1
Cor. 1:1; etc.). Also, the author appears not to have
been an apostle, but one who received the gospel
message from the apostles (2:3). Another
consideration is to note that the author quotes
exclusively from the Septuagint and not from the
Hebrew text as Paul often does in his epistles.
7
Book Background
Author: Unknown
3. Men like Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and
Athanasuis believed that Paul wrote the book. The
original recipients knew who he was (13:18-25), but
no one knows for certain who wrote the book.
However, we can all know for certain what his
message was.
8
Book Background
Audience: Jewish Christians
1. Hebrews was written to “brethren” (3:1,12; 10:19;
13:1,22). The traditional view is that the audience
was primarily a group of Jewish Christians. There are
several references to Old Testament passages,
persons (Moses, Joshua, Melchizedek, Aaron,
Abraham, etc.), and institutions (priesthood,
tabernacle, sacrifices) which would have been
understood by a Jewish audience more so than a
Gentile audience.
9
Book Background
Audience: Jewish Christians
1. (continued) The repeated use of the present tense in
connection to the sacrificial system points to the
temple still being in use (8:4,13; 9:4,5,9; 10:1,8,11;
13:10-11). Also, there is no specific mention of
Gentiles in the book. The readers may have been
Jewish Christians in or around Rome (13:24).
10
Book Background
Audience: Jewish Christians
2. The readers were Christians who had obeyed the
gospel (2:3-4; 3:1,12,14; 6:9). They knew the author
(13:19) and Timothy (13:23). They were not novices
(5:12; 6:1-3) and they had been ministers to the
saints (6:10). They had been persecuted, but not to
the point of bloodshed (10:32-34; 12:4; 13:3). They
had leadership (13:7,17,24).
11
Book Background
Audience: Jewish Christians
2. (continued) However, they were in danger of drifting
(2:1), neglect (2:3), and falling away (3:12; 4:1,11;
12:12-15). They were dull of hearing (5:11) and
needed to press on to maturity (6:1). They were
going after strange teachings (13:9-10). Some were
even making a custom of forsaking the assemblies
(10:25), sinning willfully (10:26), and shrinking back
to perdition (10:39).
12
Book Background
Purpose: Exhortation
1. Hebrews is a book of exhortation (13:22). It was
written to exhort the readers not to fall away from
Christ. These readers who once stepped out of
Judaism into Christianity, are now turning back to the
Old Law or turning aside to worldliness (2:1,3; 3:1213; 4:1,11; 5:11; 6:1,4-8; 10:25,26,39; 12:12,15,25;
13:9-10). They may have done this to avoid
persecution.
13
Book Background
Purpose: Exhortation
2. Hebrews exhorts the readers to mature and press
forward (6:1,9-12) rather than fall away. They are
exhorted several times to “hold fast” what they have
in Christ (3:6,14; 4:14; 10:23). The author’s appeal to
mature is based upon the absolute sufficiency,
supremacy and superiority of Jesus Christ. He is the
“better” way! The author’s appeal in the book peaks
with the statement: “Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today and forever” (13:8).
14
Book Background
Purpose: Exhortation
2. (continued) It has been suggested that the author
begins his book like an essay, proceeds like a sermon,
and ends like a letter (Introduction to the New
Testament, H.C. Thiessen, page 297). The author
makes use of typical homiletical devices (3:1; 5:11;
7:4; 6:3; 9:5b; 11:32; 12:3; 13:22), frequent
exhortations (2:1; 3:1-2; 4:11,14; 10:19-25,35; 12:15,12-13; 13:13-15), and sharp warnings (2:2-4;
3:6,12-13; 4:1,12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 12:14-17,2529; 13:9).
15
Book Background
Purpose: Exhortation
2. (continued) The author also exhorts the readers
using the words, “let us”, twelve times (4:1,11,14,16;
6:1; 10:22,23,24; 12:1,28; 13:13,15). The author
warns against apostasy (6:4-8; 10:26-29; 12:14-19)
and encourages his readers to renew their zeal for
Christ (6:9-12; 10:19-39; 12:12-17).
16
Book Background
Date: c. A.D. 64-68
1. Clement of Rome quoted abundantly from Hebrews
in his epistle 1 Clement (c. A.D. 95), so it would have
been written prior to that time. We know that it was
written while Timothy is still alive (13:23). The book
was probably written prior to the destruction of
Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Reference is made to the old
Jewish sacrificial system which would imply that the
temple in Jerusalem was still standing at the time the
book was written (5:1-3; 7:23,27; 8:3-5; 9:6-9,13,25;
10:1,3-4,8,11; 12:26-27; 13:9-11). A date between
A.D. 64 and 68 is suggested.
17
Book Background
Theme: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The theme of the book of Hebrews centers on the
concept of Jesus Christ being “better” (supreme and
superior). For the use of “better” in the book, see
the following references: 1:4; 6:9; 7:7,19,22; 8:6
(twice); 9:23; 10:34; 11:16,35,40; 12:24. For the use
of “more excellent”, see 1:4 and 8:6. For the use of
“greater and more perfect”, see 9:11. Jesus is better
than the angels because they worship him (1:6).
Jesus is better than Moses because he created him
(3:3).
18
Book Background
Theme: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. (continued) Jesus is better than the Aaronic
priesthood because his sacrifice was once for all time
(7:27). Jesus is better than the Old Covenant because
his covenant provides better promises (8:6).
19
Book Background
Theme: “Jesus the Better Way”
2. In short, there is more to be gained in Jesus than to
be lost in returning to Judaism or worldliness. Jesus
is “better” for these Christians rather than going
back to the Old Law or going aside into worldliness.
These Christians who were in danger of falling away
needed to understand that they were leaving behind
a Savior who is “better” for them than anyone else
or anything else. Hebrews is “the book of better
things”. The original readers were exhorted not to
leave the superior (“better”) to go to the inferior.
20
Book Background
Theme: “Jesus the Better Way”
2. Jesus is a “better” messenger (1:1 - 2:18), apostle
(3:1 - 4:13), and high priest (4:14 - 7:28). Jesus also
offers a “better” covenant (8:1 - 9:28), sacrifice
(10:1-31), and way of faith (10:32 - 13:25). If these
Christians fall away for good (6:4-6), they will forfeit
all their blessings and benefits from Jesus Christ
(1:14; 2:10-12,18; 3:1,13; 4:9,14-16; 5:9; 6:18-19;
7:25; 9:14,24,28; 10:10,14,19-26,34-35; 11:6,40;
12:11,22-24; 13:8,10,14-15,20-21).
21
Keys to the Book
• Key verses: 1:4; 8:2,6; 10:20
• Key word: “better” – the book of Hebrews sets
forth the fact that Jesus is “better” (superior) to
the OT covenant and way of life
22
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
23
Outline of the Book
Jesus the Better Way
• The Better Name of Christ (1:1 – 4:13)
– Key verse: 1:4
• The Better Ministry of Christ (4:13 – 10:18)
– Key verse 8:2,6
• The Better Way of Christ (10:19 – 13:25)
– Key verse: 10:20
24
Outline of the Book
Jesus the Better Way
• The Better Name of Christ (1:1 – 4:13)
– Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3)
– Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18)
– Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13)
25
Chapter 1 Themes
• “God having … spoken” (1:1-3)
• “Better than the angels” (1:4-14)
26
God Has Spoken
Hebrews 1:1-2
God Has Spoken
God Has Spoken
“Old time” (OT times)
“End of these days”
(time of Jesus to the
present) – 1 Pet. 1:20
Us (Christians)
“The fathers” (OT
Israelites)
“In the prophets”
“in his Son” (Jesus) –
Mt. 17:5
27
7 Divine Descriptions of Jesus
Hebrews 1:2-3
Jesus Is Divine
1:2 Divine privilege
John 1:14,18; 20:31
1:2 Divine creation
John 1:1-3
1:3 Divine glory
John 1:14
1:3 Divine image
John 1:18; 10:30; 14:7-9
1:3 Divine providence
John 5:17-18
1:3 Divine sacrifice
John 10:11-18
1:3 Divine authority
John 17:2
28
Chapter 1 Themes
• “God having … spoken” (1:1-3)
• “Better than the angels” (1:4-14)
29
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
30
Jesus “Better” Than Angels
Hebrews 1-2
Reference
1:4
1:5 (1:13)
2:5
2:16
Jesus Better Than
Angels
“so much better than
the angels”
“unto which of the
angels said he…”
“for not unto angels did
he subject the world”
“For verily not to angels
doth he give help”
31
Jesus “Better” Than Angels
Hebrews 1:4-14
Jesus
Angels
SON (1:2,5,8)
Worship Jesus (1:6)
God/ruler (1:8-9)
SERVANTS (1:7,14)
Lord/creator (1:10)
Eternal (1:11-12)
Sits at God’s right
hand (1:13)
32
The Old Testament in Hebrews 1
Hebrews
OT Reference
1:5
Psalm 2:7
1:5
2 Samuel 7:14
1:6
1:7
Psa. 97:7 or Deut. 32:43
(LXX)
Psalm 104:4
1:8-9
Psalm 45:6-7
1:10-12
Psalm 102:25-27
1:13
Psalm 110:1
33
Hebrews 1
Lessons for Today
1. God speaks to us today through his Son Jesus Christ
(1:1-2; Acts 3:23; Mt. 17:5). God does not speak to us
in dreams, visions, or latter-day revelations.
2. Remembering Jesus’ divine nature, his saving work,
and his exalted position will help us to remain faithful
to him and not fall away (1:2-3,8-9; Col. 2:9-10).
3. God is majestic; he is our “Majesty” – let us never
forget that (1:3; Heb. 8:1; Jude 25).
34
Hebrews 1
Lessons for Today
4. Jesus is the “better” way, so we should not fall back or
fall away to the world (1:4).
5. It is good to use scripture references to support points
that we make in a sermon or a Bible class: “again …
and again” (1:5-13; Mt. 4:1-11; Acts 17:1-3).
6. Like Jesus, we need to love righteousness and hate
iniquity (1:9; Rom. 12:9).
7. It is a comfort and encouragement to Christians to
know that God uses his angels to minister to the saved
(1:14; Heb. 12:23).
35
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
36
Jesus “Better” Than Angels
Hebrews 1-2
Reference
1:4
1:5 (1:13)
2:5
2:16
Jesus Better Than
Angels
“so much better than
the angels”
“unto which of the
angels said he…”
“for not unto angels did
he subject the world”
“For verily not to angels
doth he give help”
37
Chapter 2 Themes
• “So great a salvation” (2:1-4)
• “A little lower than the angels” (2:5-18)
38
Five Dangers in Hebrews
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Drifting & Neglect (2:1-4)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Unbelief & Disobedience (3:7 – 4:13)
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Immaturity & Apostasy (5:11 – 6:12)
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Willful Sin & Judgment (10:26-31)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Falling Short & Refusal to Hear (12:14-29)
39
Chapter 2 Themes
• “So great a salvation” (2:1-4)
• “A little lower than the angels” (2:5-18)
40
The Old Testament in Hebrews 2
Hebrews
OT Reference
2:6-8
Psalm 8:4-6
2:12
Psalm 22:22
2:13
Isaiah 8:17-18
41
A Little Lower Than the Angels
Psalm 8:4-6
Man (2:5-8)
Jesus (2:9-18)
Man, in his humanity, is
“a little lower than the
angels”
“Lower,” but “crowned
with glory and honor”
All things in subjection
under his feet (creation)
Jesus (as man), is “a little
lower than the angels”
“Lower,” but “crowned
with glory and honor”
Suffering of death
42
Descriptions of Jesus in Hebrews
Reference
Meaning
“Author” (2:10)
Gr. archegos, ruler,
leader; someone who
goes before to lead the
way; a pioneer
(Acts 3:15; 5:31;
Heb. 12:2)
43
Hebrews 2
Lessons for Today
1. There is an ever-present need to take heed because
there is an ever-present danger of drifting away from
God’s word (2:1; Prov. 3:21; 1 Tim. 4:1).
2. We will not escape God’s judgment if we neglect “so
great a salvation” (2:3; Heb. 10:29; 12:25).
3. The salvation of mankind is “great” (2:3) because of
God’s “great” love and sacrifice (Jn. 3:16) and because
of God’s “great” reward of heaven (Col. 1:5).
44
Hebrews 2
Lessons for Today
4. Unlike the many “latter-day revelations” of man, the
true word of God has always been confirmed by
miracles (2:3-4; Mk. 16:20; 2 Cor. 12:12).
5. Mankind has the responsibility of taking care of God’s
creation and using it for the good of others (2:7-8;
Gen. 1:28-31).
45
Hebrews 2
Lessons for Today
6. Jesus sacrificed greatly and acted selflessly to become
a man and to suffer death for the sins of the world
(2:9-18; Phil. 2:5-8). The humanity of Jesus is
emphasized in chapter 2 just like the deity of Jesus is
emphasized in chapter 1.
7. One’s suffering can serve a greater purpose for himself
and others (2:9; 1 Pet. 1:6-7).
8. Singing praises (without instruments) is the kind of
music God wants today (2:12; Eph. 5:19).
46
Hebrews 2
Lessons for Today
9. Jesus stands ready to aid us when we are tempted
(2:18; Heb. 4:14-16).
47
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
48
Chapter 3 Themes
• “More glory than Moses” (3:1-6)
• “Harden not your hearts” (3:7-19)
49
More Glory Than Moses
Hebrews 3:2-6
Moses
Jesus
A member of the house
(people) of God
A servant in God’s house
(Number 12:7)
Leader / law-giver /
prophet
The builder of the house
(people) of God
A Son over God’s house
(Hebrews 1:2-3,8-10)
Divine Son of God /
crowned with glory /
Apostle / High Priest
50
Chapter 3 Themes
• “More glory than Moses” (3:1-6)
• “Harden not your hearts” (3:7-19)
51
The Old Testament in Hebrews 3
Hebrews
OT Reference
3:7-11
Psalm 95:7-11
3:15
Psalm 95:7-8
52
Israel’s Provoking the Lord
Reference
Location
Provocation
1. Ex. 14:10-14
Egypt
Leave us alone
2. Ex. 15:22-26
Marah
Murmur / water
3. Ex. 16:1-3
Wild. of Sin
Murmur / bread
4. Ex. 17:1-7
Rephidim
Murmur / water
5. Ex. 32:1-6
Mt. Sinai
Idolatry
6. Num. 11:1-3
Taberah
Murmur
7. Num. 11:4-15,
31-35
Kibroth-hattaavah
Lusted / manna
53
Israel’s Provoking the Lord
Reference
Location
Provocation
8. Num. 13:25 –
14:45
9. Num. 16:1-50
Wild. of Paran
Unbelief / rebellion
Wild. of Paran
10. Num. 20:1-13
Kadesh
Korah’s rebellion /
murmured
Murmur / water
11. Num. 21:4-9
Red Sea (Edom)
12. Num. 25:1-15
Shittim (near the
Jordan River)
Murmur / bread &
water
Idolatry / sexual
immorality
54
“Today” Harden Not Your Hearts
7 Wherefore,
even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, Like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tried me by proving me, And saw my works forty years.
10 Wherefore I was displeased with this generation, And said, They do always err in their heart: But
they did not know my ways;
11 As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.
12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling
away from the living God:
13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened
by the deceitfulness of sin:
14 for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the
end:
15 while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16 For who, when they heard, did provoke? nay, did not all they that came out of Egypt by Moses?
17 And with whom was he displeased forty years? was it not with them that sinned, whose bodies fell in
the wilderness?
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient?
19 And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.
55
Five Dangers in Hebrews
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Drifting & Neglect (2:1-4)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Unbelief & Disobedience (3:7 – 4:13)
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Immaturity & Apostasy (5:11 – 6:12)
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Willful Sin & Judgment (10:26-31)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Falling Short & Refusal to Hear (12:14-29)
56
Hebrews 3
Lessons for Today
1. We must always live as “holy brethren” and we must
always aim for the goal of our “heavenly calling”
(3:1; Rom. 12:1; Phil. 3:14).
2. Our universe was built by God (Jesus), not by
naturalistic evolution (3:4; Jn. 1:1-3; Rom. 1:20;
Heb. 1:2,10; 11:1-3)
3. Christians are the “house” (people) of God and we
must behave properly in it (3:6; 1 Cor. 3:16-17;
Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:14-15; Heb. 10:21; 1 Pet. 2:5).
57
Hebrews 3
Lessons for Today
4. The continued salvation of a Christian is conditioned
upon (“if we”) the continued faithful obedience of the
Christian (3:6, 14; Gal. 6:9; 1 Jn. 1:7-9; 2:3).
5. It is important “Today” to hear Jesus and obey him
(3:7, 13, 15; 2 Cor. 6:2).
6. It is possible for a Christian to fall away and be lost
(3:12; Gal. 5:4; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Pet. 3:17). The doctrine of
“once saved, always saved” is not taught in the
scriptures.
58
Hebrews 3
Lessons for Today
7. Daily exhorting one another can help prevent apostasy
(3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11).
8. Sin deceives by getting a person to think that his sin is
ok, or by blinding a person to the consequences of his
sin (3:13; Eph. 4:22; 1 Pet. 2:1).
9. Christians today must be faithful all the way to the end
of the race. We must “hold fast” our confession (3:1),
our boldness (3:6), and our confidence (3:14) “firm
unto the end” (see also Heb. 4:14; 6:11; 10:23;
1 Cor. 15:2; 1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13).
59
Hebrews 3
Lessons for Today
10. “Unbelief” marks the beginning of one’s apostasy
(falling away). The apostasy of “unbelief” can be
avoided and prevented by keeping our hearing open to
God’s word, by keeping our heart soft to God’s word
(not hardened), and by continual obedience to God’s
word (3:8,12,13,15,18,19; Deut. 1:32; Psa. 106:24).
60
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
61
Chapter 4 Themes
• “A promise being left of … rest” (4:1-10)
• “Give diligence to enter” (4:11-13)
62
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
63
The Old Testament in Hebrews 4
Hebrews
OT Reference
4:3
Psalm 95:11
4:4
Genesis 2:2
4:5
Psalm 95:11
4:7
Psalm 95:7-8
64
A Promise of Rest for God’s People
Rest in Canaan
Type / Anti-type
Rest in Heaven
Good tidings
The Gospel
Physical Israel
The Church
Physical rest in
Canaan - Joshua
(Josh. 22:4)
The word was not
united by faith –
rest forfeited
through
disobedience
In David, so long a Spiritual rest in
time afterward, he Heaven - Jesus
says… Psalm 95:7ff (Rev. 14:13)
Rest forfeited
through unbelief
They shall not
enter into my rest
Let us fear, let us
give diligence
65
A Promise of Rest Remains “Today”
Hebrews 4:1,6,9
God’s rest in
the Garden
(“my rest”)
Israel’s rest in David speaks
Canaan
of another
day of rest –
“Today”
Heb. 4:4,10
Heb. 4:3,8
Heb. 4:7-8
(Genesis 2:2) (Josh. 22:4)
(Psalm 97:7ff)
sabbath rest rest from
spoken
from works of works
approx. 400
creation
years after
Joshua
Christian’s
rest in
Heaven
Heb. 4:1,9-10
(Rev. 14:13)
sabbath rest
from works of
Christian
service
A Sabbath Rest Remains
66
Chapter 4 Themes
• “A promise being left of … rest” (4:1-10)
• “Give diligence to enter” (4:11-13)
67
Five Dangers in Hebrews
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Drifting & Neglect (2:1-4)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Unbelief & Disobedience (3:7 – 4:13)
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Immaturity & Apostasy (5:11 – 6:12)
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Willful Sin & Judgment (10:26-31)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Falling Short & Refusal to Hear (12:14-29)
68
Hebrews 4
Lessons for Today
1. If “once saved always saved” is true, then there is no
need for a Christian to “fear” that he will “come short
of” heaven (Heb. 4:2; 10:31; 12:15).
2. Hearing God’s word will profit us only when we unite
that hearing with an active faith (4:2; Rom. 1:5; 16:26;
1 Thess. 2:13; Jas. 1:22-25; 2:24-26).
3. God’s rest from his work of creation (4:4,10; Gen. 2:23) was meant to typify all the faithful who will rest in
heaven from their Christian work of service (4:9-11;
Rev. 14:13).
69
Hebrews 4
Lessons for Today
4. Sunday is not the “Christian Sabbath,” but heaven is a
“sabbath rest” for God’s people (4:9-10; Rev. 14:13;
22:1-5)
5. We must put forth a diligent effort to obey God in
order to receive the promise of a heavenly rest
(4:11; Rom. 12:11; Heb. 6:11; 2 Pet. 1:10; 3:14).
70
Hebrews 4
Lessons for Today
6. God’s word is not dead and it is not dull. God’s word
can examine and judge all that is in the heart of
mankind. Therefore, we should always maintain a very
serious attitude toward God’s word and a desire to
obey it completely (Heb. 1:1-2; 2:2-3; 4:2,12-13;
12:28-29; Psalm 19:7-14; Psalm 119).
7. God is omnipresent (all places) and omniscient (all
knowing); we cannot hide from him (4:13;
Psalm 139).
71
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
72
Chapter 5 Themes
• “Every high priest … taken from among men”
(4:14 – 5:4)
• “So Christ also … a high priest” (5:5-10)
73
Jesus Our Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:14 – 8:5
7 Elements of Greatness
References
1. Elevation of position
Heaven (4:14; 8:1)
2. Dignity of person
Son of God (4:14)
3. Purity of nature
Without sin (4:14; 7:26)
4. Eminency of order
After Melchizedek (5:6; etc.)
5. Solemnity of ordination
With An Oath (7:20-21,28)
6. Perfection of work
Save to the uttermost (7:25)
7. Perpetuity of office
For ever (7:16,24,25,28)
74
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
75
Jesus Our Great High Priest
Aaron (Exodus 28)
Jesus Christ (Hebrews)
His work – “minister … in His work (3:1; 4:14-16;
the priest’s office” (28:1-5) 5:5-10; 7:11-28; 8:1-6;
9:11-28; 10:10-21)
His garments – “garments His garments – “without
to sanctify him” (28:6-43) sin” (4:15) … “holy,
guileless, undefiled,
separate from sinners”
(7:26)
76
Jesus Our Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:14; 10:21
Aaron (Called of God)
Jesus Christ (Named of God)
5:1 Position and role of the
high priest
5:1-3 Qualification of the
high priest
5:4 Divine appointment of
the high priest
5:5-6 Divine appointment
5:7-8 Qualification
5:9-10 Position and role
77
The Old Testament in Hebrews 5
Hebrews
OT Reference
5:5
Psalm 2:7
5:6
Psalm 110:4
78
Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10
Lessons for Today
1. Christians need to “hold fast” their confession; that is,
their professed service and allegiance (religion) to
Christ (4:14; Mt. 10:32-33).
2. Like Jesus, we can resist temptation by appealing to
scripture (4:15; Mt. 4:1-11).
3. Christians, instead of falling away, need to turn in
prayer to “the throne of grace” and receive mercy and
help (4:16; 1 John 5:14-15).
79
Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10
Lessons for Today
4. While God does not answer everyone’s prayer
(Prov. 28:9), he does answer the prayer of the faithful
Christian (4:16; 1 Pet. 3:12; 1 Jn. 5:14-15).
5. We must obey Jesus in order to be saved (5:9;
Lk. 6:46). Salvation is not unconditional, but
conditional. There is something we “must do” to be
saved (Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-34; 22:10,16).
80
Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10
Lessons for Today
6. Jesus is “the author of salvation” (2:10; 5:9). “Author”
in Hebrews 2:10 means literally “leader” or “captain”
(Gr. archegos). “Author” in Hebrews 5:9 means literally
“cause” (Gr. aitios). Thus, Jesus like a “captain” leads
the way to our salvation and through him he is the
“cause” that makes salvation possible.
81
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
82
Five Dangers in Hebrews
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Drifting & Neglect (2:1-4)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Unbelief & Disobedience (3:7 – 4:13)
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Immaturity & Apostasy (5:11 – 6:12)
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Willful Sin & Judgment (10:26-31)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Falling Short & Refusal to Hear (12:14-29)
83
Chapter 6 Themes
• “Let us press on to perfection” (5:10 – 6:12)
• “Abraham … having patiently endured” (6:13-20)
84
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
85
The Six “First Principles”
First Principles
Taught by Jesus
Repentance
Mark 1:15
Faith
John 14:1-11
Baptisms
Mark 7:1-23; 16:16
Laying on of hands
Mark 7:32 (Acts 6:6; 13:3)
Resurrection
John 5:28-29
Eternal judgment
Matthew 25:46
86
The Five Characteristics of a Christian
Characteristic
Meaning
Reference
1. Enlightened
Light of truth, the Heb. 10:32;
gospel
2 Cor. 4:4-6
2. Tasted the
heavenly gift
Blessings of
salvation
3. Partakers of
the Holy Spirit
Gift(s) of the H.S. Heb. 2:4;
Acts 2:38; 8:15
4. Tasted - good
word of God
5. Powers of the
age to come
Active working of
God’s word
Divine acts of
power
Heb. 3:1; 11:16;
12:22; Eph. 1:3
Heb. 4:12; 13:7;
1 Thess. 2:13
Heb. 2:4; Rom.
1:16; Eph. 1:19
87
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
88
Accompany Salvation
Ministering angels
God’s word
Aid from Jesus
Boldness
Daily encouragement from
brethren
Partakers with Christ
Help - answered prayers
Enlightened, etc.
Hope as an anchor
Intercession by Jesus
Hebrews Reference
1:14
2:3-4; 4:2, 12-13
2:18
3:6; 4:16; 10:19,35
3:13
3:14
4:16
6:4-5
6:18-19
7:25; 9:24
89
“Accompany Salvation”
Clean conscience
A new and living way
Assembling with the saints
Example of Jesus
Chastening (discipline)
Heavenly blessings
Worship
Love of the brethren
Shepherds to watch over
us
God working in us
Hebrews Reference
9:14
10:19-23
10:24-25
12:1-3
12:4-13
12:22-24, 28
12:28; 13:15-16
13:1-3
13:7,17
13:20-21
90
Chapter 6 Themes
• “Let us press on to perfection” (5:10 – 6:12)
• “Abraham … having patiently endured” (6:13-20)
91
The Old Testament in Hebrews 6
Hebrews
OT Reference
6:14
Genesis 22:16
92
Promise and Patience
“having patiently endured, he obtained the promise”
God’s Promise
When Abraham was 75
You will have seed / offspring
Genesis 12:1-4 (13:15-16;
15:1-6; 17:1-8; 18:9-15)
God promises
Abraham’s Patience
When Abraham was 100
Isaac is born
Genesis 21:1-5
God performs
(Romans 4:18-21)
93
Hebrews 6
Lessons for Today
1. Brethren who become “dull of hearing” need to grow
and press on to maturity through study, application,
and the teaching of God’s word (5:11 – 6:1; 1 Pet. 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:5-8).
2. Spiritually immature and inexperienced brethren who
will not grow in the knowledge and application of
God’s word are “babes” (5:13; 1 Cor. 3:1; Eph. 4:14).
Mature, full-grown brethren are knowledgeable and
discerning (5:14; Eph. 4:13).
94
Hebrews 6
Lessons for Today
3. The Bible does not teach “once saved always saved”.
Christians can and do fall away (6:4-6; Gal. 5:4).
4. Christians need to show their work and love in service
toward their brethren (6:10; 1 Thess. 1:3;
1 Jn. 3:17-18)
5. Christians need to imitate those who patiently
(steadfastly) endure to the end in order to receive the
promise of heaven (6:12,15; Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Thess. 1:4;
James 1:3-4).
95
Hebrews 6
Lessons for Today
6. Christians can hope in God’s promises because God
does not lie (6:18; Tit. 1:2).
7. The Christian’s hope is like an anchor of the soul,
anchored in heaven (6:19-20; Rom. 8:25).
96
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
97
Chapter 7 Themes
• “For this Melchizedek … priest of God” (7:1-10)
• “Another priest … after the order of
Melchizedek” (7:11-25)
98
The Old Testament in Hebrews 7
Hebrews
OT Reference
7:1-10
7:17
Genesis 14:17-20
(referenced but not a
direct quote)
Psalm 110:4
7:21
Psalm 110:4
99
Melchizedek and Abraham
Genesis 14:17-20
17 And
the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return
from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were
with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King's Vale).
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine:
and he was priest of God Most High.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most
High, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine
enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all.
100
Made Like Unto the Son of God
Hebrews 7:3,15
Melchizedek – “abideth a
priest continually”
7:1 King - Priest
Jesus Christ – “for ever
after the order of
Melchizedek”
King – Priest (1:8-9; 3:1)
7:2 Righteous - Peace
Righteous – Peace (1:9)
7:3 Endless life
Endless life
(7:16,24,25,28)
Greater – Better (7:19,22)
7:4-10 Greater - Better
101
Psalm 110
Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make
thine enemies thy footstool.
2 Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in
the midst of thine enemies.
3 Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy
array: Out of the womb of the morning Thou hast the dew of thy
youth.
4 Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever
after the order of Melchizedek.
5 The Lord at thy right hand Will strike through kings in the day of his
wrath.
6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill the places with dead
bodies; He will strike through the head in many countries.
7 He will drink of the brook in the way: Therefore will he lift up the head.
102
Jesus A Priest “For Ever”
15 And
what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another
priest,
16 who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
17 for it is witnessed of him, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
18 For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness
19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh
unto God.
20 And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath
21 (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord
sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);
22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant.
23 And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from
continuing:
24 but he, because he abideth for ever, hath his priesthood unchangeable.
25 Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever
liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the
heavens;
27 who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of
the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law,
appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.
103
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
104
A Better Covenant
Hebrews 7:22
The Old Law
The New Law
1. Lacked perfection
regarding sin (7:11,18-19;
see 8:5; 9:9; 10:1-4,11)
2. Limited access through
the Levitical priesthood
(7:11; see 8:1-5; 9:1-10;
10:11)
1. Perfection regarding sin
(7:25; see 8:6-13; 9:11-22;
10:5-18)
2. Complete access
through Jesus Christ: draw
near unto God (7:19; see
8:1-6; 9:23-28; 10:19-22)
105
Hebrews 7
Lessons for Today
1. Christians have a “better hope” based upon a “better
covenant” (7:19,22; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:5).
2. Christians can “draw near unto God” in prayer (4:16;
7:19,25; 10:22; James 4:8).
3. Jesus serves as a mediator and intercessor for his
brethren daily (7:25; Rom. 8:34).
106
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
107
Chapter 8 Themes
• “Such a high priest” (7:26 – 8:5)
• “The mediator of a better covenant” (8:6-13)
108
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
109
A Better Covenant
Hebrews 7:22; 8:6
The Old Covenant
The New Covenant
Earthly, sinful priests
Heavenly, sinless priest
Earthly tabernacle
Heavenly tabernacle
Faulty, lacked perfection
Faultless, perfection
Limited access to God
Free access to God
Flesh cleansed
Conscience cleansed
Obedience from the
outside (tables of stone)
Sins remembered
Obedience from inside
(table of the heart)
Sins remembered no more
110
The Old Testament in Hebrews 8
Hebrews
OT Reference
8:5
Exodus 25:40
8:8-12
Jeremiah 31:31-34
111
Hebrews 8
Lessons for Today
1. The Lord wants his people to follow the “pattern” of
worship prescribed by him (8:5; Acts 2:42; 2 Tim. 1:13;
3:16-17; 2 Jn. 9; Rev. 22:18-19).
2. Christians have a “better covenant” built upon “better
promises” (8:6; Tit. 1:2; 2 Pet. 1:4).
3. Christians truly “know the Lord” because they have
God’s law in their mind and in their heart (8:10-11;
Jn. 6:45; 8:55; 17:3; 1 Jn. 5:20).
112
Hebrews 8
Lessons for Today
4. God’s law need to be in our heart, not just in our
hands (8:10; 2 Cor. 3:3).
5. Christians are not under the Old Law covenant (8:13;
Rom. 7:1-6; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; Eph. 2:14; Col. 2:14).
6. We can have forgiveness of sins because of God’s
mercy (8:12; 10:17; Col. 1:14; 2:13).
113
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
114
Chapter 9 Themes
• “A sanctuary of this world” (9:1-10)
• “The greater and more perfect tabernacle, not
made with hands” (9:11-28)
115
Copy, Shadow, Figure
A Copy and Shadow of the Heavenly Things
“Copy” (Gr. ὑπόδειγμα) = a figure, copy, example,
pattern, or model; a sign suggestive of anything
(Heb. 4:11; 8:5, 9:23)
“Shadow” (Gr. σκιά) = an image cast by an object and
representing the form of that object: opposed to σῶμα,
the thing itself; hence, equivalent to a sketch, outline
(Heb. 8:5; 10:1)
“Figure” (Gr. παραβολὴ ) = a placing of one thing by the
side of another; a comparison (Heb. 9:9; 11:19)
116
A Sanctuary of This World
117
A Sanctuary of This World
118
Chapter 9 Themes
• “A sanctuary of this world” (9:1-10)
• “The greater and more perfect tabernacle, not
made with hands” (9:11-28)
119
Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle
Hebrews 8:2; 9:11
Earthly Tabernacle
Heavenly Tabernacle
High Priest - Aaron
High Priest - Jesus
Taken from among men
Offerings for sin
Son of God (divine) & made
like his brethren (human)
Offered up himself (blood)
Compassed with infirmity
Without sin
Called of God (no oath)
Sworn with an oath
After the order of Aaron
(Levi)
After the order of
Melchizedek
120
Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle
Hebrews 8:2; 9:11
Earthly Tabernacle
Heavenly Tabernacle
Weak, unprofitable, lacked
perfection
Hindered by death
Perfected for evermore
Limited access
Draw near to God
Daily sacrifices
Once for all
Pitched by man
Pitched by God
Of this world
Not made with hands
Continual, for ever
121
Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle
Hebrews 8:2; 9:11
Earthly Tabernacle
Veil (9:3, 8)
High priest enters the holy
place alone once a year with
animal blood (Lev. 16:1-19)
Blood sprinkled on the
“mercy seat” (hilasterion) 9:5 (Lev. 16:15)
Heavenly Tabernacle
Veil of flesh (6:19; 10:20)
Jesus, our high priest,
entered heaven (the holy
place) once for all with his
own blood (9:12, 24-26, 28;
10:10, 12, 14, 20-21)
Blood for “propitiation”
(hilasterion) – Rom. 3:25
(see the verb in Heb. 2:17)
122
The Old Testament in Hebrews 9
Hebrews
OT Reference
9:2-7
Exodus 25-26, 30;
Leviticus 14, 16
(referenced but not a
direct quote)
Exodus 24:8
9:20
123
Old Testament and New Testament
Hebrews 9:15-22
Old Testament (Covenant)
Death of animals
Blood sprinkled (Ex. 24)
Cleansed with blood
New Testament (Covenant)
Death of Jesus
Blood sprinkled (Mt. 26:28)
Cleansed with blood
124
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
125
Hebrews 9
Lessons for Today
1. We are living in the “time of reformation” when all
things religiously are changed and made perfect
(complete) in Jesus Christ (9:10; Mt. 19:28;
2 Cor. 5:17).
2. We live under the new “testament” today, not the old
testament (9:16-17; Mt. 26:28)
3. We remember Jesus’ “blood of the covenant” in the
Lord’s supper (9:20; Mt. 26:28).
126
Hebrews 9
Lessons for Today
4. Remission of sins is accomplished by the blood of
Jesus and applying his blood in baptism (9:22;
Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:21)
5. It is appointed unto men once to die; no reincarnation;
no second chance to get it right (9:27; Lk. 19:16-31).
6. A judgment day is coming. Are you ready (9:27;
Acts 17:30-31)?
7. Are you waiting (obedient and hopeful) for Jesus unto
salvation (9:28; Tit. 2:13)?
127
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
128
Chapter 10 Themes
• “Sacrifice… for sins” (10:1-18)
• “Boldness to enter in” (10:19-39)
129
The Old Testament in Hebrews 10
Hebrews
OT Reference
10:5-7
Psalm 40: 6-8
10:16-17
Jeremiah 31:33-34
10:30
Deuteronomy 32:35
10:30
Deuteronomy 32:36 or
Psalm 135:14
Habakkuk 2:3-4
10:37-38
130
Chapter 10 Themes
• “Sacrifices … for sins” (10:1-18)
• “The new and living way” (10:19-39)
131
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
132
Five Dangers in Hebrews
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Drifting & Neglect (2:1-4)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Unbelief & Disobedience (3:7 – 4:13)
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Immaturity & Apostasy (5:11 – 6:12)
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
Parenthesis: The Danger of Willful Sin & Judgment (10:26-31)
Parenthesis: The Danger of Falling Short & Refusal to Hear (12:14-29)
133
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
134
Hebrews 10
Lessons for Today
1. Our attitude each day should be like the Psalmist (Psa.
40:7-8) and like Jesus: “Lo, I am come … To do thy will,
O God” (10:7, 9; Mt. 6:10; 26:42).
2. The offering of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross allows us
to be completely sanctified (set apart) and forgiven of
sin (10:10, 14, 29; Acts 26:18; 1 Cor. 6:11; Heb. 2:11).
3. Contrary to premillennial teaching, Jesus now reigns as
King (10:12; Acts 5:31; 1 Pet. 3:22).
135
Hebrews 10
Lessons for Today
4. God’s law needs to be in our heart, not just in our
hands (10:16; Lk. 8:15; Rom. 10:18).
5. Christians need boldness to remain faithful to Christ
(10:19, 35; Acts 4:11; Eph. 3:12).
6. One’s heart is cleansed and body washed when he is
baptized into Christ (10:22; Acts 22:16; Eph. 5:26; 1
Pet. 3:21).
136
Hebrews 10
Lessons for Today
7. Christians will fall away if they do not heed the
author’s three-fold encouragement: “let us” draw
near, “let us” hold fast, and, “let us” consider one
another – not forsaking the assembling (Heb. 10:2225; James 4:8; 1 Cor. 15:2; 1 Cor. 11:20).
8. Christians must have faith, hope, and love all active in
their lives in order to remain faithful (10:22-24;
1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thess. 1:3; 5:8).
137
Hebrews 10
Lessons for Today
9. Let us not sin willfully knowing that our judgment from
God will be severe (10:26-31; Jn. 5:29; 2 Cor. 5:11;
2 Thess. 1:7; Heb. 9:27; 12:29).
10. When Christians suffer from persecution, they need
compassion, joy, boldness, patience (steadfastness,
endurance, perseverance), and a saving faith
(10:32-39; James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Pet. 1:6-9).
138
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
139
Faith’s Hall of Fame
Hebrews 11
Active Faith
OT Reference
Abel
Offered
Gen. 4:4
Enoch
Well-pleasing
Gen. 5:21-24
Noah
Prepared an ark Gen. 6:9-22; 7:5
Abraham
Obeyed,
Gen. 12-25
sojourner,
looked for a city
Counted him
Gen. 18:11-15
Sarah
Abraham &
Isaac
Offered up Isaac Gen. 22:1-17
140
Faith’s Hall of Fame
Hebrews 11
Active Faith
OT Reference
Isaac
Blessed
Gen. 27:25-29
Jacob
Blessed
Gen. 48-49
Joseph
Gave command Gen. 50:24-25
Moses’ parents
Hid Moses
Ex. 1:22 – 2:10
Moses
Refused,
choosing,
accounting,
forsook, kept
Ex. 2:11-15;
12:1-28
141
Faith’s Hall of Fame
Hebrews 11
The Israelites
Active Faith
Passed through,
Compassed
about
Rahab
Received the
spies
Gideon, Barak, Subdued
Samson,
kingdoms,
Jephthah, David, worked
Samuel and the righteousness,
prophets, etc.
etc.
OT Reference
Ex. 14; Josh. 6
Josh. 2:1-24
Judges;
1-2 Samuel;
1-2 Kings;
1-2 Chronicles;
Jeremiah; Daniel
142
Faith (Trusting) in “Things Not Seen”
Faith Is Believing…
Things not seen
The word of God … not
things which appear
That he is … rewards
Things not seen as yet
Not knowing where he
went
The city … whose
builder and maker is
God
Reference
11:1
11:3
11:6
11:7
11:8
11:10
143
Faith (Trusting) in “Things Not Seen”
Faith Is Believing…
Having seen them …
from afar
A country … a heavenly
God is able to raise up
The departure of Israel
The recompense of
reward
Him who is invisible
A better resurrection
Reference
11:13
11:14-16
11:19
11:22
11:26
11:27
11:35
144
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
145
The Old Testament in Hebrews 11
Hebrews
OT Reference
11:18
Genesis 21:12
146
Hebrews 11
Lessons for Today
1. Faith is not a “blind leap in the dark”, but rather an
assurance and conviction based upon the substance
and the evidence of God’s word (Heb. 11:1;
Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 4:18-5:7).
2. The world was created by God’s word, not by a
naturalistic “big bang” followed by billions of years of
macro-evolution (Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1:1; Psa. 33:6-9;
148:5).
147
Hebrews 11
Lessons for Today
3. The world may not care about a Christian, but the one
who has the right kind of faith will receive God’s
“witness” or divine approval (Heb. 11:2,4,5,39;
2 Tim. 2:19).
4. We need to live in faith and die in (according to) faith
(11:13; 1 Thess. 4:14; Rev. 14:13).
5. We, like Moses, must be willing to suffer “the reproach
of Christ”; that is, suffer as Christ suffers (11:26;
2 Cor. 1:5; 4:10; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24).
148
Hebrews 11
Lessons for Today
6. The “faith unto the saving of the soul” (10:39) is a faith
that is active and obedient to God’s word; it is not
“faith only” (Heb. 11:4ff; Rom. 1:5; 16:26; Gal. 5:6;
1 Thess. 1:3; Jas. 2:25).
149
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
150
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
151
12 “Better” Things in Hebrews
1:4 having become by so much better than the angels
6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you
7:7 But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better
7:19 a bringing in thereupon of a better hope
7:22 by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant
8:6 by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant
9:23 the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these
10:34 knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession
11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
11:35 that they might obtain a better resurrection
11:40 God having provided some better thing concerning us
12:24 the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel
152
The Old Testament in Hebrews 12
Hebrews
OT Reference
12:5-6
Proverbs 3:11-12
12:20
Exodus 19:12-13
12:21
Deuteronomy 9:19
12:26
Haggai 2:6
12:29
Deuteronomy 4:24
(referenced by not
directly quoted)
153
Two Mountains Contrasted
Mt. Sinai (12:18-21, 25-27)
Exodus 19-20
Earthly
Darkness
Inaccessible, forbidding
Fearful
Shaken
Moses / Old Covenant
Warned on earth
Removed
Mt. Zion (12:22-24, 25-28)
Hebrews 12
Heavenly
Hope
Accessible, inviting
Joy
Not shaken
Jesus / New Covenant
Warned from heaven
Remains
154
You Are Come to Mt. Zion
What do
Christians have
that Jews do
not?
1. Heavenly
Jerusalem
2. Myriads of
angels
Blessings and
benefits
NT Reference
A spiritual house Heb. 11:10;
of God in heaven 13:14; Rev. 3:12;
14:1; 21:1-3
Ministering
Heb. 1:13-14
spirits sent from
God
155
You Are Come to Mt. Zion
What do
Christians have
that Jews do
not?
3. Church of the
firstborn(ones)
Blessings and
benefits
A called-out
assembly of
born-again with
names in heaven
4. God the Judge All mankind will
of all
be judged
NT Reference
Heb. 10:25;
Mt. 16;18;
Acts 20:28;
Jn. 3:3-5; Rev. 3:5
Heb. 4:13;
10:30-31;
Acts 17:30-31
156
You Are Come to Mt. Zion
What do
Christians have
that Jews do
not?
5. Spirits of just
men made
perfect
6. Mediator of a
new covenant
Blessings and
benefits
NT Reference
Christians are
completely and
fully forgiven in
Christ
Jesus died and a
new testament
was enforced
Heb. 9:14; 10:14;
13:21; Col. 1:28;
2:10
Heb. 9:15-16;
10:9; Mt. 26:28;
Jer. 31:31-34
157
You Are Come to Mt. Zion
What do
Christians have
that Jews do
not?
7. The blood of
sprinkling
Blessings and
benefits
NT Reference
The blood of
Jesus completely
forgives when
contacted
through baptism
Heb. 9:12-14;
10:19-22;
Acts 22:16;
1 Pet. 1:2; 3:21
158
Hebrews 12
Lessons for Today
1. The Christian life is like a race; not a short sprint, but a
long-distance marathon requiring steadfastness and
endurance. Sin weighs down the Christian and
impedes his running (12:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:24-27).
2. The cross (toil) comes before the crown (reward) for
both Jesus and his followers (12:2; 1 Pet. 1:6-9; 5:10).
3. Chastening or discipline is good for us (12:4-11;
Jas. 1:2-4, 12).
159
Hebrews 12
Lessons for Today
4. Christians need to support and encourage each other
during difficult times (12:12-13; 1 Thess. 5:14).
5. The devil can use division, worldliness, bitterness and
immorality to cause a Christian to fall short of the
grace of God (12:14-17; Jas. 3:13 – 4:4).
6. Contrary to denominational teaching, it is possible to
fall from God’s grace (12:15; Gal. 5:4).
160
Hebrews 12
Lessons for Today
7. A “root of bitterness” can spring up and influence us
for evil (12:15; Deut. 29:18-19).
8. There is no escaping God’s judgment when we turn
away from him (12:25; Heb. 2:3).
9. We need great respect and reverence toward God to
listen to his word and serve him faithfully (12:25-28;
Rom. 11:20; 1 Pet. 1:17; Rev. 15:4).
161
Hebrews 12
Lessons for Today
10. God is love, but he has a side to him that is severe
(12:29; Rom. 11:22; 2 Thess. 1:8).
162
Hebrews: “Jesus the Better Way”
1. The Better NAME OF CHRIST (Hebrews 1:1 – 4:13). Key Verse: 1:4.
a.) Christ is better than the prophets (1:1-3).
b.) Christ is better than the angels (1:4 – 2:18).
c.) Christ is better than Moses (3:1 – 4:13).
2. The Better MINISTRY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 4:13 – 10:18). Key Verse: 8:2,6.
a.) Christ serves a better priesthood (4:14 – 8:5).
b.) Christ mediates a better covenant (8:6 – 10:18).
3. The Better WAY OF CHRIST (Hebrews 10:19 – 13:25). Key Verse: 10:20.
a.) It gives an assurance of faith (10:19-39).
b.) It requires an obedience of faith (11:1-40).
c.) It demands an endurance of faith (12:1-13).
d.) It encourages a service of faith (12:14 - 13:17).
e.) Closing remarks and benediction (13:18-25).
163
The Old Testament in Hebrews 13
Hebrews
OT Reference
13:5
Deuteronomy 31:6
13:6
Psalm 118:6 (LXX)
164
12 “Let Us” Admonitions in Hebrews
4:1 Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering
4:11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest
4:14 Having then a great high priest … let us hold fast our confession
4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace
6:1 Wherefore … let us press on unto perfection
10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith,
10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not
10:24 let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works
12:1 Therefore let us also … lay aside every weight … and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us
12:28 Wherefore … let us have grace, whereby we may offer service
13:13 Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp
13:15 Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise
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Lessons for Today
1. Love toward our brethren and strangers is to be
shown, not just thought about or talked about (13:1-2;
Mt. 25:35; Rom. 12:10-13; 1 Pet. 1:22; 4:9).
2. Do what you can to help those Christians who are
persecuted (13:3; Col. 4:18).
3. Keep your marriage pure from sexual immorality (13:4;
Mt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mk. 10:1-12; Lk. 16:18; Rom. 7:23; 1 Cor. 6:9; 7:1ff; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Thess. 4:6).
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4. Contentment is the answer to the love of money – a
root of all kinds of evil (13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6-10).
5. We are promised by God that he will never leave us or
forsake us (13:5-6; Deut. 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Psa. 118:6).
6. In a changing world, Jesus stays the same (13:8;
Mt. 28:20; Heb. 1:11-12; Rev. 1:17-18).
7. Stay away from false doctrines; don’t be fooled by
them (13:9; Eph. 4:14; 2 Jn. 9-11; Jude 12).
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8. Christians are spiritual priests offering up spiritual
sacrifices (13:15-16; 1 Pet. 2:5-10).
9. Singing praise to God in the worship assembly is
commanded throughout the NT, never instrumental
music (13:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
10. Elders in a local church watch out for souls of the
members; imitate them and obey them (13:7,17;
Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:12-13).
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Lessons for Today
11. It is always good to pray for others and be prayed for
(13:18-19; 1 Thess. 1:2; 5:17, 25; 1 Tim. 2:1-2).
12. Stay busy doing God’s will and work (13:20-21;
1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 2:12-13).
13. God’s word is revealed to us to exhort us, but we
must be willing to receive and accept this exhortation
(13:22; 2 Cor. 5:20 - 6:1; 10:1).
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